1796 25C MS64 NGC. B-2, R.3. The quarter was an inherently
difficult coin to produce in 1796. The specified weight was 6.74
grams, with a composition of .8924 silver and .1076 copper. The
designed diameter of the coin was 27.5 mm. The edge was reeded. To
contain the specified amount of metal in a coin with such a large
diameter the planchets had to be unusually thin. The planchets were
cut from sheets of metal of the required composition that were
repeatedly drawn through horse-powered rollers. The distance
between the rollers was reduced with each pass until the desired
thickness was attained. Before each pass, the metal sheets were
annealed to make the metal softer and more ductile.
It was necessary to repeat this process more times than usual to
prepare the quarter planchets. In addition to the extra work
involved in rolling, many of the planchets became brittle because
of the repeated annealing. When the coins were struck on the screw
press, some of the brittle planchets developed edge splits, and
small pieces of metal broke off. The effects of this process can be
seen on many 1796 quarters today.
The strike is particularly sharp on this example, especially on the
obverse. Crisp detail shows in all devices, even star centrils and
hair strands are bold. The reverse has a better than average
strike, with some detail showing on the eagle's head. The eagle's
nostril shows plainly, a detail rarely seen on this variety. The
fields are free of distractions, and lovely lilac and gray toning
accents both sides. Stunning eye appeal. This coin, although
unlisted there, would be tied for fourth place in the Condition
Census as presented by Steve Tompkins in his new
reference.(Registry
values: P7) (NGC ID# 23RA, PCGS# 5310)